October 27, 1999
FAMILY MATTERS:
Game of golf can link generations
___I want to give my golf clubs to my grandson, who is 12. My son and his wife think I should leave them to him when I die. I would like to see him enjoy these but don't want to go against his parents' wishes. What do you suggest?
MARY STEPHENS
Vice President
Buckner Retirement Services, Dallas
___Your son and his wife may be afraid your grandson will not appreciate the gift and respect it appropriately at his age. It is critical, though, that families maintain close contact with children in these teen years. Maybe your grandson would want to bring some of his friends along. That would be fine too. You then would be able to see the friends he has made.
___Be sure no health issues, such as allergies or asthma, could be aggravated for your grandson by being outdoors. This may be the source of his parents' concerns.
___Perhaps you could discuss a plan with your son and his wife for you to teach your grandson to play golf. That way you could be with him when he uses the clubs. Learning about golf will provide an opportunity to develop a skill he can use throughout his life. Also, you could spend time with him that will create memories for his entire life.
___Building memories is very important for continuity of family ties. Teaching your grandson to play golf --and other things that you will find the time to discuss during your golf game--will provide a legacy. For years, family history was passed from generation to generation through conversations between grandparents, parents and children. What a wonderful opportunity for him to learn about his family.
___Ask your son to join you as you play golf with your grandson. Perhaps you were so busy with your career when your son was growing up that he missed out on the opportunity to be with you in the way you propose to be with your grandson. There often are unsettled "growing up" issues between fathers and sons. This could be a time for your son to see you in a different perspective.
___As you play golf together, you could also instill in your grandson a sense of nature, since you will be in God's beautiful world. Let him know of your faith and what it has meant to you throughout your life. Often conversations with youngsters about faith are difficult to start.
___But time on the golf course will most likely give you one of those "teachable moments" to ask about his beliefs about the Lord.
_
Contents/ Masthead / Why We're Here / Links / Archive / E-mail us/ SUBSCRIBE!
